JOSH Taylor had no hesitation in declaring his ‘surprise’ victory in the 10th Chippenham Half Marathon as the best win of his career, writes KEVIN FAHEY.

The 28-year-old from Trowbridge, who works in Devizes and is a former student at Hardenhuish School, gave the spectators a ‘home’ win as he surged clear in the closing stages to not only make the podium for the first time but also clock his fastest time on the course.

“I really enjoyed that victory and it was such a surprise and so unexpected,” said Taylor.

“I have run the Chippenham half a few times and never come any higher than sixth but it all came together on the day and eventually I won by some distance.”

Last year Taylor, who works as a solicitor for Wansbroughs in Devizes, finished sixth in 1:17.01 repeating the position from 2015.

At halfway on Sunday he was in fourth but feeling strong so made a decisive move on the leading group who were just a short way ahead.

“I picked up the pace and after catching the top two guys just went straight by them,” added Taylor.

“It helped that I know the course as I train on the roads around here and also it was quite windy in the second half of the race and I just battled through it.

“I am pretty strong at the moment as I am training for the Chester marathon (October 7th) and was using the Chippenham race to see what sort of shape I was in and it proved to be very encouraging.

“I had no inkling I would win the race and it was a very pleasant surprise and it is definitely to date the biggest race I have ever won.

“I’ll be living off this one for a few more weeks yet.”

With clubmate Gary Dunstone runner-up (1:17.43) and solid support from Stuart Henderson in 15th and Lee Allen in 63rd Taylor also led Team Bath to the men’s team title.

“The Chippenham half is a terrific race and very well organised, the course is very scenic and the crowds are very supportive,” said Taylor.

Third place in the men’s race went to Simon Gilbert of Devizes Running Club and top woman in 11th overall was Bristol & West AC runner Annabel Granger with Ashley Sanderson second (1:25.18) and Swindon Harriers’ Hannah Claydon third (1:26.59).